The switch flipped, the lights came on and Hickory Hills stepped straight into the holiday season.
With the long nights stacking up, families came out to Veterans Park on Tuesday, Nov. 25, for the city’s annual Lights of Hickory Hills lighting ceremony.
The event brought the community together and the Stagg High School Madrigal Choir filled the park with music, creating a warm backdrop to the evening. Between songs, the choir broke into an impromptu “Happy Birthday” for Eliza, daughter of choir coach Chris Betz, and the crowd joined in.
Their performances of classic Christmas songs drew steady attention, but “Mary Did You Know” stood out most. Jupiter Lederer led the piece with a rich, soulful sound that carried cleanly across the park. Sixteen-year-old Simon Gallavich also performed with the group. His father, Dustin, was in the crowd with their dog, Wilson, who earned plenty of friendly comments.
“It is great to see him perform again,” Dustin said. “This is only our second year coming out here, but it gets you in the festive spirit.”
Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted families throughout the night.
Ald. Debbie Ferrero shared how meaningful it is to see the event return to full strength. “You can tell people look forward to this,” she said. “Every year it brings more families out, and that is what makes it special.”
Volunteers kept the evening running smoothly. Mary Boettcher worked alongside her granddaughters, Madison and Haley Goulooze, both Stagg alumni, handing out stuffed toys and goodie bags.
“We have been doing this with our grandma for years,” Madison said. “People recognize us now.”
Haley added, “It feels like home every time we come back,” explaining that Thanksgiving break makes it easier for families to return.
Boettcher kept her role simple. “We are volunteers,” she said. “I bring the girls and we pass out the bags. The kids get excited about what is inside.” She added that more volunteers are always welcome.
Pizza from The Hills Chamber of Commerce was available throughout the evening. Families grabbed slices between songs or while waiting to see Santa.
When it was time for the lights, Mayor Mike Howley called the children toward the front. “Last year the kids were not loud enough,” he said, lifting the microphone. Pointing to the switch, he added, “Pull that lever down. That is the extra boost we need.”
The crowd counted down from 10. The lever dropped, and the entire park lit up at once. Hickory Hills had opened its holiday season.
